Dentures and dental implants in Amherst, NY are two of the most popular options for replacing missing teeth. But how do you know which one is the right choice for you? Drs. Karl and Walter Neuhaus of Creekside Dentistry discuss the benefits and downsides of both.

About Dentures

Dentures are usually made of a resin and metal base with plastic or dental ceramic teeth. They’re typically used to replace a full arch of missing teeth. The biggest perks of dentures are that they cost less upfront and you can get your final restoration faster. Dental implants do take longer because a surgical element is required.

However, you may end up paying more for dentures down the line. When you lose a tooth, the jawbone starts to deteriorate where the tooth is missing. This will continue to happen when you have the dentures. They’ll need to be refitted or replaced down the line, as the bone continues to change. Ill-fitting dentures can slide around in your mouth and cause irritation to the gums.

Dentures give you only about 30-40% of your bite function back. You’ll have to eliminate certain foods from your diet because you’re not able to bite or chew them. Though there have many advancements in removable dentures throughout the years, they’re still a bit bulky and take a learning curve to get used to. They don’t feel like your natural teeth.

Lastly, extra maintenance is required with dentures. You have to find an adhesive that works well for you to keep them in your mouth. Since they’re removable, you also have to take them out every night and make sure that they’re cleaned properly.

The Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants are made up of three separate parts. First, a titanium post is what actually gets implanted in your jaw. An abutment is then attached to that to connect the post to the final restoration. The final restoration is most commonly a dental crown, but implants can support dental bridges and fixed dentures as well.

Implants are the only replacement option that also replaces the tooth root. This can stop or even reverse the jawbone deterioration that happens when you lose a tooth. It spurs the jawbone to regenerate as it fuses with the implant post. This gives it a stability that you don’t get with any other tooth-replacement solution. Dental implants give you back 100% of your bite function, meaning no changes to your diet.

The biggest downsides to dental implants are the upfront cost and the length of time it takes for you to have the final restoration. However, you won’t incur costs down the line with implants. They’re designed to be a permanent option and can last for decades as long as you follow a proper oral healthcare routine. Once the implants are placed, they need 3-6 months to heal. This is when they fuse with your jawbone, which is crucial to the process.

Lastly, you don’t have any extra maintenance or issues with implants. You can brush, floss, and visit the dentist like you would with natural teeth. There’s no risk of them shifting or falling out because they’re placed in the jawbone. You also don’t have to worry about making sure you have adhesive. They’re the most natural-looking and feeling option.

Getting Dental Implants in Amherst, New York

Replace those missing teeth and get your smile back. Call us or schedule an appointment online!